Diversity in Working Life

We develop various operational models for internships and, more broadly, for transitions into working life for students who need stronger support, for example in career planning and employability skills. The project combines career guidance and special support services. In addition to supporting students, the project also supports companies and organisations in South Savo in developing accessibility in working life.

Furthermore, the competence of teaching and guidance staff as well as workplace supervisors is strengthened in identifying learning challenges and providing tools for creating different solutions that support students in their transitions into working life. The aim is to promote equal employment opportunities.

“When learning and guidance come together, new opportunities arise.”

Upcoming project events

In early 2026, Xamk degree students and teaching staff will respond to an initial survey on internship practices.

Project activities will begin in spring 2026, and more detailed schedules will be published on this page as they are confirmed.

Would you be interested in collaborating with the project?

The Kirjoa työelämään project develops new models to support internships in cooperation with academic programmes, working life partners, and the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS/YTHS). The project is aimed at students who experience challenges in their study capacity or work ability. The goal is to reduce the risk of study drop-out, enhance employability, and strengthen workplaces’ ability to receive and support diverse students.

Students are offered both individual support and peer support for applying for internships and succeeding during internships. In addition, the project provides new competencies for working life partners in supervising interns at the workplace. Student participation in the project activities is credited with ECTS, with arrangements agreed on a programme-specific basis.

Benefits of collaboration:

Reducing the risk of study drop-out
Support for study progress during internships
Piloting and renewing internship models
Concrete and individual solutions for internship arrangements
Strengthening staff competence in supporting diverse students in working life

Hello teachers who supervise or coordinate internships in South Savo!

Do you have students who would benefit from enhanced support in developing career and employability skills and work-life competencies, as well as in preparing for internships (e.g. applying for placements and building work-life readiness), during the internship itself, or in relation to completing the internship?

Students who are suited for additional support services:

Students based in Mikkeli or Savonlinna (all modes of study)
The student’s study capacity and/or work ability has declined (e.g. learning difficulties)
The student does not yet have an internship placement
The student’s internship has been interrupted or they have had negative experiences in previous internships
Concerns about the student’s upcoming internship

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let’s work together to consider the best ways to support the student’s progress in their studies. If needed, we can also refer the student to other support services.

Contact details:

Special education teacher Minna Karhunen, firstname.lastname@xamk.fi or 050 597 8119

Promoting equal access to working life through tailored support.

Please get in touch, and let’s explore the different options for collaboration.

Special education teacher Minna Karhunen,

firstname.lastname@xamk.fi or 050 597 8119

FOR STUDENTS

Internships are an essential part of your studies: they strengthen professional competence, support the development of your professional identity, and help you build workplace skills and networks. We offer support to students who face challenges related to internships, such as learning difficulties, anxiety, or fears. This support is provided through individual and group meetings with a special education teacher and a career counselor.

Our goal is to help students start their internship, find flexible ways to complete it, and gain positive and successful experiences.

FOR XAMK TEACHING AND GUIDANCE STAFF

Together with working life, we develop individual and flexible solutions to promote successful internships and prevent study interruptions.

We strengthen staff’s guidance skills in supporting students who need help with internships through a shared online training program.

FOR EMPLOYERS AND WORKPLACES

Internships offer workplaces an opportunity to recognize students’ skills, strengths, and potential, as well as to support smooth transitions into working life. Together with employers, we develop flexible internship models and pilot new practices that will be shared more widely.

In addition, we provide guidance expertise to support students who need extra help through various means. We are developing a mentoring model in which each student has a designated person to support them throughout the internship.

Facts

Project name: